Alan – 48, devastated to discover he was showing early signs of Barrett’s oesophagus

Alan, a Hertfordshire-based property investor, suffered from reflux that was so extreme he felt he was having a heart attack. Following an endoscopy, he was told that his lower oesophagus was showing abnormal cell changes, a condition which, in some cases, can develop into cancer.

Alan Kenley had suffered with reflux for two years, with attacks so severe that at times he was convinced he was having a heart attack. After several tests, Alan was diagnosed with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), and prescribed proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). PPIs are a class of medication that reduce the production of acid, thereby easing symptoms of reflux, but unfortunately for Alan, they only provided relief for a short time and his symptoms soon returned.

Alan was referred for an endoscopy procedure and, following this, was dealt the devastating blow that his oesophagus was showing signs of abnormal cell changes, called Barrett’s oesophagus, which is closely linked to GORD. Alan made an appointment to see Consultant Majid Hashemi at the Hospital of St. John & St. Elizabeth, London. Mr Hashemi gave Alan two options: he could either opt for fundoplication surgery in which part of his stomach would be wrapped around his oesophagus, or undergo the keyhole LINX® Reflux Management System procedure. The LINX ‘bracelet’ comprises a small, flexible band of magnets enclosed in titanium beads that is implanted around the weak sphincter just above the stomach, preventing reflux.

Alan researched LINX and very quickly decided it was the route he wanted to take, undergoing the minimally invasive procedure in January last year.

“Naturally after my endoscopy, when Mr Hashemi told me that there was evidence of the beginnings of Barrett’s oesophagus, I was very concerned and disappointed, knowing full well what it can lead to. There was no further discussion required and I knew that surgery was inevitable, it was just a matter of deciding which route I wanted to take: Nissen fundoplication, or the less invasive LINX implant,” says Alan. “After researching both options and speaking to another LINX patient who had his operation over two years ago, I informed Mr Hashemi of my decision to have the LINX, to which he responded, “if you were my brother, I would have recommended the same.” ”

Alan has been delighted with the positive effects of LINX, which has reduced his reflux, meaning he no longer has the terrifying symptoms he suffered from for the last two years.

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